Parking permits required at Stanford's main campus and Stanford Redwood City

Commuters and residents are required to have a valid parking permit purchased through the online ordering system to avoid potential citations. Read our article to learn more.

For COVID-related transportation updates, please visit our Stanford Transportation COVID-19: Featured Topics page. If you are interested in learning more about your commute options as you return to campus, please refer to our Returning to Your Stanford commute page.

Golf Cart-Type Vehicles

The University considers any motorized Low Speed Vehicle (LSV) or mini-truck to be a golf cart-type vehicle. Please note that Stanford Transportation does not have golf carts to rent and/or loan. DisGo, a complimentary curb-to-curb transportation service managed by Stanford Transportation, should be utilized whenever possible. If this service will not meet your needs, below are instructions for renting a golf cart to be used on campus.

Authorization for golf cart use on campus

Golf cart-type vehicles at Stanford may only be used for the following purposes:

  • Business uses authorized by the University
  • Transport for persons with temporary or permanent disabilities

Student use of carts for personal transportation (other than disability-related needs) is expressly prohibited. Stanford University is private property and has the authority to control cart / LSV use on campus and restrict access to certain areas.

Students, faculty, and staff with disabilities

  1. Students, faculty, and staff with disabilities requesting to use a golf cart on campus as transport, please submit a completed Disability Cart Permit Agreement (PDF) to the Diversity & Access Office. The Diversity & Access Office will provide additional information about additional documentation to be completed.
  2. Review the Pedestrian Zone Access Map.
  3. Complete online cart safety training. This free, online course, which presents cart driving and parking rules, should be taken by everyone who wants to drive a cart on campus.
    1. Log into AXESS (SUNet ID required) and select the "STARS (Training)" tab at the top of the page.
    2. Locate the course by searching the catalog. Use the course activity name "Cart Safety Training (Online)" or code: PTS-1000-WEB.
    3. Enroll and launch the self-paced course.

Departments procuring or renting a golf cart

  1. Complete online cart safety training. This free, online course, which presents cart driving and parking rules, should be taken by everyone who wants to drive a cart on campus.
    1. Log into AXESS (SUNet ID required) and select the "STARS (Training)" tab at the top of the page.
    2. Locate the course by searching the catalog. Use the course activity name "Cart Safety Training (Online)" or code: PTS-1000-WEB.
    3. Enroll, launch the self-paced course.
  2. Review the policies applicable to motorized carts detailed in the following documents. Failure to adhere to these policies may result in disciplinary action or loss of access privileges.
  3. Cart permits are not required unless Main Quad access is needed (see below).

Approved golf cart rental companies

Turf and Industrial Equipment (T.I.E dba Golf Cart Rental Company)

Carts Depot

Main Quad (MQ) - Vehicle Exclusion Zone

All motorized vehicle (including cart) access through the Main Quad's service drives (under the arches), within the inner courtyards, and inside the Quad itself, requires prior authorization from Stanford Transportation and a special "PZ/MQ Service Drive" permit or placard. These allow 20-minute access for loading/unloading purposes only. Carts, like all other motorized vehicles, are not allowed to operate or park inside the covered arcades, under any circumstances. To request Main Quad access, submit a completed Pedestrian Zone Access/Permit (PDF) application to parkingoperations@stanford.edu.

Golf cart-type vehicles operating within the Pedestrian Zone (PZ) and Main Quad (MQ)

Within the Pedestrian Zone (PZ), vehicles should follow designated cart routes as shown on the Pedestrian Zone Access Map. Carts and LSVs (e.g. "Gems" and "Thinks") can now access the PZ via a pathway adjacent to the Duena Gate. General cart parking is now available along Escondido Mall, just inside the Duena Gate entrance. The Pedestrian Zone Access Map indicates this location as well as other designated cart parking areas within the Pedestrian Zone.

"DOs and DON'Ts" for Carts and LSVs

Cart Operation

• DO operate carts only on designated routes as per the PZ Access map.

• DO observe speed limits for motorized vehicles.

• DO reduce speed on pathways and in pedestrian areas.

• DO NOT use carts in the following areas:

  • Inner courtyard of the Main Quad.
  • Covered arcades, such as those around the Main Quad, Green Library, Law School, and Old Union.
  • Sidewalks (or pathways parallel to a roadway).

• DO NOT exceed the speed of pedestrian traffic in crowded pedestrian areas.

• DO NOT overcrowd or overload carts.

• DO NOT drive without a valid driver's license
Cart Parking

• DO park only in designated cart or service parking areas.

• DO NOT park on unpaved surfaces, such as landscaping or bark-covered areas.

• DO NOT block building entrances, stairways, disabled ramps, or thoroughfares.

• DO NOT chain vehicles to signposts, railings, trees, etc.
Cart Charging

• DO charge electric carts at charging locations designated for your department.

• DO NOT run extension cords to carts from inside buildings.

• DO NOT park in a cart charging station assigned to another department.

Drivers must abide by the California Vehicle Code and exercise due caution. The Department of Public Safety enforces the appropriate and safe use of all vehicles (including motorized carts) and will issue tickets accordingly. Improperly parked vehicles will be cited, towed, "booted," or otherwise immobilized by Public Safety or other University authorized personnel.